Developing a Healthy Mind

Lorelai: I just finished reading a book about how To get the most out of life. Starting today, I’m going to Live life to its fullest. Luke: Oh no, not another one of your Fads. Weren’t you eating only blue — and red-colored foods a couple of months ago? Lorelai: This is not a fad! … Читать далее

Running a Family-Owned Business

When I took over the family business three years ago, I didn’t know what I was Letting myself in for. My uncle, who ran the business before me, established a cLear chain of command, which I thought would Eliminate infighting and Bickering. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Despite Clear lines of authority, family members … Читать далее

A Scandal

Caridad: Look at this! The president of McQuillan University Is stepping down. He submitted his Resignation this morning after an undergraduate student made Allegations that they had an Affair and that she’s Pregnant with his baby. Nate: That’s terrible. Maybe they were in love. Caridad: In love? He’s married and has four kids, and when … Читать далее

Describing Aches and Pains

Nivia: Why are you walking Funny? Michael: Oh, I Pulled a muscle in my right leg while playing with my kids last weekend. It’s hard to walk without feeling a Twinge of Pain. Nivia: I’m sorry to hear that. Why are you sitting in that Awkward position? Michael: I Strained my back while exercising. Initially, … Читать далее

Taking Care of a Willful Child

Mrs. Mason: So, how did things go? Carl: Well… Mrs. Mason: What’s the matter? Didn’t you and Jason have a good time while I was away? Carl: It was interesting. He was a little Willful. Mrs. Mason: Yes, he can be a little Strong-willed at times, but if you just do what he wants or … Читать далее

Putting the Children to Bed

Andrea: It’s your Turn to put the kids to bed. Marlon: No, I put them to bed last night, didn’t I? Andrea: Nope, I did that. Don’t forget their Bedtime story. Marlon: The kids won’t let me forget it. Okay, time for bed! Go brush your teeth and put on your Pajamas. It’s Lights out … Читать далее

Making a Medical Diagnosis

Terrell: Where have you been? Sally: At the hospital, again. My doctor is putting me through another Battery of tests. Terrell: She still hasn’t been able To zero in on the cause of your pain and Make a diagnosis? Sally: No, she hasn’t. Part of the problem is that my Symptoms are Intermittent, and they … Читать далее

Waiting for Drug Approval

Florence: A package came for you. I think it’s from overseas. Alexander: Oh, those are my Drugs. Florence: You’re buying your Medication from overseas? Alexander: I have no choice. This drug isn’t FDA-approved yet. Florence: Isn’t it dangerous to take a drug that isn’t approved? Alexander: Not if it’s been approved in other countries. This … Читать далее

Talking to a Bank Teller

Bank Teller: Can I help you? Antonio: Yes, I’d like To deposit this Check. Bank Teller: Please fill out a Deposit slip and be sure To endorse the check on the back. Antonio: Here you are. I’ve already filled out a slip and signed the check. I’d also like To cash this other check. Bank … Читать далее

Welcoming a Houseguest

Yousef: Why are you Rearranging the furniture? Rachel: My Aunt Susan called and she’s coming for a visit. It’ll be so nice to see her. It’s been a while since we’ve had a Houseguest. Yousef: Your crazy Aunt Susan? The one who Talks to herself all the time and makes funny noises? Rachel: Don’t be … Читать далее

Checking on the Status of an Application

Leo: Here’s the mail. Denise: Did I get anything? Leo: No, sorry. Are you expecting something? Denise: Yeah, I’m waiting for a Decision letter about my Application to the McQ program. I should Hear any day now. Leo: Have you thought about calling and Checking on the status? Denise: I called last week and my … Читать далее

Giving a Successful Presentation

Event organizer: Do you hear that? It’s a Packed house and your presentation was A hit. People are Clamoring for more. Herman: I can’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting that kind of Reception. The audience really seemed to like it. Event organizer: Like it? They were On the edge of their seats. Herman: The presentation … Читать далее

Getting a Flat Tire

Jaloliddin: What is that Thumping noise? Minisa: I don’t hear anything. Jaloliddin: I think you have a Flat tire. Minisa: The left Rear tire has a slow Leak, but I just Inflated it the last time I was at the Gas station, so I’m sure it’s fine. Jaloliddin: No, really, I think you need To … Читать далее

Recording an Outgoing Voice Mail Message

I hate the sound of my own voice. I always have. When I’m speaking to an audience, I always sound Forced and Unnatural. So when we had To set up our new Voice mail system’s Outgoing message, it took me a few Tries to get it right: “Hello, you’ve reached Martin Navra at McQ Corp. … Читать далее

At the Art Exhibit

I really wanted to see the new Exhibit at the art museum and invited Lucy to come along. We both like Contemporary art and this was an Exhibition for an artist that we’ve both liked, Ever since she was An up and coming artist 10 years ago. This was a Retrospective so there was going … Читать далее

Becoming a Vegetarian/Vegan

Ashley: I’m thinking of becoming a Vegetarian. I think it would be the Ethical thing to do. Paul: Are you going to eat eggs and Dairy? If you’re doing this for ethical reasons, you really should avoid anything made with Animal products or animal By-products. Ashley: I guess you’re right. Paul: Then you’re going to … Читать далее

Being Boastful

My boss is a complete Blowhard. He likes to Boast about his Accomplishments and Acquisitions Every chance he gets. Unfortunately, I seem to be his favorite audience. Boss: You won’t believe what I did over the weekend. I went Mountain climbing and Skydiving. What I wanted to say was, “Uh, Spare me!” But what I … Читать далее

Guessing a Number

Angela: Hey, look at this. This restaurant is holding a Contest. If you can Guess the number of Marbles in this bowl, you’ll get a free meal every day for one year! Dwight: I’ll Take a stab at it. Angela: So will I. Let’s see, I think there must be close to 1000 or 1200 … Читать далее

Picking up a Rental Car

Ralph: I have a Reservation for a car. Clerk: What is the last name on the reservation? Ralph: It’s Furcal. Clerk: Just one moment. I have a reservation for Ralph Furcal, picking up today and returning on the 19th. Ralph: Yes, that’s right. I reserved an Economy car. Clerk: We do have an economy car … Читать далее

Getting an Online Degree

Carlos: So where are you planning on attending college? Torrie: I’ve picked Harford University. Carlos: The only Harford University I’ve heard of is a Degree mill. Torrie: I’m sure it’s not the same one. The Harford University I’m attending is Accredited, at least I’m pretty sure it is. The best part of going to Harford … Читать далее

Eating a School Lunch

Chris: What are you doing? Let’s get into the hot Lunch line. Sybil: See this Lunchbox? My mom made me Brown-bag it today. She says that the lunches served at school aren’t Nutritious enough. Chris: That Sucks. What did she make you? Sybil: A salad. Chris: Oh, Gross. I really feel sorry for you. What … Читать далее

Saying No

Liang: I have a favor to ask. Christian: Uh oh, what is it? Liang: I’m doing a project for my class in Culinary school and I need a volunteer to taste some of my Creations. Christian: Not on your life. Liang: But, why? Christian: You don’t remember the last time I was your Guinea pig? … Читать далее

Becoming a Spy

Vaughn: You’ve been reading that novel for hours. What is it? Sydney: It’s a Spy novel and it’s really good. It’s about a man who is Recruited by the C. I. A. to work in Counterintelligence doing Code breaking, but he becomes Embroiled in the world of Espionage. Vaughn: That sounds exciting. Sydney: Yeah, he’s … Читать далее

Problems at the Office

Lucy: Hey Jeff, can I Pick your brain for a minute? Jeff: Sure, what’s up? Lucy: Well, I have a Sticky situation at work and I wanted to get your Input. You’re always so Tactful. Jeff: Thanks. I’m not sure I can help but I’ll give you my two cents. Lucy: Well, it’s like this. … Читать далее

Noisy Neighbors

I live in a quiet neighborhood. At least that’s what I thought until last week. I live in a Cul de sac In a Residential neighborhood in Los Angeles. There is a nice retired Couple that lives Kitty corner from me. They have always been very friendly and we have Gotten along very well. About … Читать далее

Holding Structured and Unstructured Meetings

Diego: Okay, why don’t you Brief me on what you’ve planned for the meeting tomorrow? Maya: Sure. At the meeting of the managers tomorrow, we’ll begin with introductions. Since you’re the most Senior manager, the job Falls to you. Diego: I don’t think we need To stand on ceremony. Have Alexi do the introductions. Maya: … Читать далее

Quitting Smoking

Vera: Hi, I thought you might be out here. Geez, it’s really cold! Paul: I know, but I really needed a Smoke break after that long meeting. Can I Bum one off you? I left my Pack of Cigarettes on my desk. Vera: Sure. Here’s my Lighter. What do you think about the new Incentives … Читать далее

Corporate Spying

Joachim: I’m really having Second thoughts about hiring a firm to do Corporate spying for us. I don’t want to do anything that’s Ethically questionable. Dawn: We have no choice but to do it. All of our competitors conduct corporate Espionage. Joachim: I can understand spying on our competitors, but I Draw the line at … Читать далее

Describing Speed and Pace

Chiu: Come on, Slowpoke, Hurry up! We’ll never get to the top of the hill if you don’t Get a move on. Sarah: There’s no way you’re going to get me to move at Breakneck speed. I’ve gone up at least 500 steps already, and my legs are about to fall off. Tell me again … Читать далее

Outdoor Advertising

Kam: Okay, the purpose of our meeting today is to listen to some ideas for our new Advertising campaign. Gina, Take it away. Gina: Thanks, Kam. I’m going to talk today about Outdoor advertising. I know that it’s a new area for us and it hasn’t been On our radar in the past, but I … Читать далее

Watching Movie and TV Franchises

Ursula: Weren’t you watching this same movie yesterday? Ian: No, this is the Sequel. Yesterday, I watched Aims Pond. This is Aims Pond: Super Spy. Ursula: Wasn’t this originally a TV show? Ian: Actually, it was originally a Novel, which was Adapted into a Long-running TV show. Then, it was Turned into a Movie franchise. … Читать далее

Reading Contracts Carefully

Barbara: Just Sign on the dotted line and be done with it. Sean: Didn’t your parents ever teach you to read every document carefully before you sign it? Barbara: Not when the Contract is Boilerplate. All of the Terms are standard. Sean: No, they’re not. Did you notice in the Fine print that if the … Читать далее

After Christmas Sales

Roxana: Get up! We’re going To miss out on the best Deals if we don’t get to the stores when they open. Kurt: What? I’m sleeping. Leave me alone. Roxana: You need to get up now and come with me to the store for the After Christmas sales. You know that they Slash prices and … Читать далее

Major Dental Work

Sadie: Hi, I’m Sadie. You must be Gordon. Gordon: Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you. It’s a little strange To be set up, isn’t it? Sadie: It was nice of Felina and Jaime to arrange this date. Gordon: It was. Jaime told me that you’re a Dentist. Is that right? Sadie: Yes. Gordon: … Читать далее

Asking for a Raise

Patty: Alberto, can I Pick your brain for a minute? Alberto: Yeah, sure, but you’ll have to Make it quick. I’m going into a meeting at 3. Patty: Sure. Hopefully, this won’t take long. I’m thinking about asking for A raise. I’ve been working here for a year and half, and I now have a … Читать далее

Giving Birth to Twins

Jerome: Congratulations! I just heard that you’re Pregnant with Twins. Paula: Thanks. We’re very excited, although I’m a little worried about a Multiple birth. Jerome: I Come from a long line of multiple births. My father is an Identical twin and he had cousins who are Fraternal twins. Paula: I see what you mean. Jerome: … Читать далее

Traveling and Medical Needs

Delia: Oh, my feet hurt! We must have walked for fours hours Straight today. I have Blisters on my heels and Bruises on my toes. Where are my Band-aids? Yoshi: Yeah, your feet look bad. I told you not to wear new shoes on vacation, but you wouldn’t listen. Delia: Oh, yeah? Look at you! … Читать далее

A Weather Forecast

Colleen: Shh! I want to hear the Weather forecast for this week. Jerry: What’s so important about this week? Colleen: Shh! Radio Announcer: Tomorrow, this Warm front will move out and a Cold front will move in, bringing with it Windy conditions with a chance of Thunderstorms. Colleen: Yeah! Radio Announcer: On Tuesday, things will … Читать далее

Working Late at the Office

I was so glad it was Friday afternoon. I’ve been thinking-TGIF-all day. I was On my way out of the office when I saw Nick sitting at his desk. Even though the office was nearly empty, he didn’t look like he was ready to leave. In fact, he looked like he was still Swamped with … Читать далее

Critiquing Someone’s Work

Noriko: Have you had a chance to look over Russ’s project? Walt: Yeah, I took a look at it yesterday. If you have a couple of minutes, I can Give you my two cents. Noriko: Sure. Shoot. Walt: Well, it’s not what I Envisioned when we gave him the Charge to come up with a … Читать далее

Having an Open House

Kyoko: We’re not supposed to be here. I think we should leave and let our Real estate agent hold the Open house without us Looking over her shoulder. Ernie: We’re not looking over her shoulder. I just want to sit in this car to see how many people go in and out. Kyoko: You know, … Читать далее

Reading and Processing Emails

Every day I feel more and more Overwhelmed by email. Once I turn on my computer and look at my Inbox, I Get sucked into reading and responding to Emails. I have a personal email account and an email account for work. With my work email, I try to take an organized Approach. I scan … Читать далее

Giving Opinions in a Meeting

I was in a department meeting and our manager was asking for our Feedback on improving our product. I had a few ideas and I wanted To get them across, but one of my Colleagues was Giving me a hard time. Marcelo: In my opinion, I think that we need to look at the question … Читать далее

An Unscrupulous Partner

My friend Charles convinced me to go into business with him about a year ago. I wish I had had The benefit of hindsight to say “no.” I was too Trusting and that was my Downfall. At first, everything was fine. We Worked our butts off to get the business off the ground. But as … Читать далее

Tracing One’s Genealogy

Aaron: Do you think you can help me Trace my Genealogy? Corrie: Sure, I can try. We can get started by talking to your parents and grandparents. Oral interviews will give us some names of your Relatives. Aaron: I’ve already talked to them and I grew up hearing stories about my Lineage on both sides … Читать далее

Working in a Bad Economy

Shivon: This bad Economy is really Taking its toll. Lex: Tell me about it! My company has already Laid off 20% of its Workforce, and now the management is talking about cutting Salaries. It goes without saying that there won’t be any Bonuses this year. Shivon: What are you complaining about? At least you still … Читать далее